Protein-Based Multifunctional Hydrogel Adhesive for Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex and highly orchestrated biological process that encompasses four distinct stages including: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Each stage is characterized by specific physiological responses and tissue repair mechanisms that collectively facilitate the restoration of tissue integrity. To achieve comprehensive wound management, the development of targeted hydrogel bioadhesives is of paramount importance. Hydrogel-based bioadhesives, characterized by their excellent physical properties and biocompatibility, have demonstrated significant potential in the field of wound treatment. However, the current research on protein-based hydrogel bioadhesives for wound healing remains limited. This review systematically examines the design principles of ideal hydrogel bioadhesives and their essential functions in wound repair. It provides an overview of the latest advancements multifunctional hydrogel bioadhesives derived from various proteins, including collagen, silk fibroin (SF), sericin, fibrin, gelatin (Gel), keratin, and casein. It also evaluates their performance in practical applications. Finally, the review highlights the primary challenges facing protein-based hydrogel bioadhesives in the field of wound healing and outlines prospective research directions, with the goal of advancing the development and clinical application of these technologies.